February 26th 2006

It started with an idea. The idea was to go for the gem of all gems on Mt. Timpanogus. Our plan, to go for the Cold Fusion couloir. Just thinking about it is a daunting task-9 miles in, 9 miles out, a huge vertical gain, a steep climb up an avalanche chute to an exposed northwest face of the north peak and to be completely exposed to bad weather, if it decides to be so. During the week before, Paul and I checked the weather, discussed the plan over phone calls, read books, checked the maps and loaded our packs. Everything was looking good and we were ready.
On the morning of Sunday, February 26th I drove to meet Paul at his house at the base of Big Cottonwood Canyon. I was excited with the thoughts of getting one of the lines I have always wanted to snowboard. My excitement and a 48oz rockstar energy drink were allowing me to do the opposite of what my body was feeling I should do. See, I hadn't slept since 9am on Saturday and now it is 4am in morning of Sunday. The night before, on Friday, I had gone against better judgment and partied until 5am-good times, bad choice. Then on Saturday, waking up a little hung over, I got breakfast with a friend, worked a full day until 11pm, deejayed a party until 3am and then loaded up the car for the trip. By the time I was pulling into Paul's driveway, my body wanted bed and my mind wanted the cold fusion.
The drive to the trailhead was quicker than I remembered. As we drove through the darkness and into the mountains, Paul and I were definitely stoked for what laid ahead. Once at the trailhead parking area, we loaded up under the starry night and proceeded as our headlamps lit the way... More to come...
For now, check out our pictures of the trip under "the mission:snow" sub-album "mt. timpanogus" Enjoy!

Max